Crete Principles on Access to Nanotechnologies for Human Health

Abstract

The present document was developed by a group of scholars from law, medicine, political science, and sociology gathered in September 2008 in Crete to debate the issue of access to nanotechnology in healthcare during an international conference. Its purpose is to provide a set of general principles to guide stakeholders' debate, cooperation, and decision-making. The proposed principles are not an action plan, nor a set of tools to be applied, but instead an attempt to clarify the principles governing the research and development of nanotechnology and the relationship between interested parties, as well as to stimulate dialogue and collaboration of stakeholders, to pursue more inclusive processes and more effective outcomes.